Implement Over-the-Air Programming with Arduino

Use over-the-air programming to upload and deploy code generated from a Simulink® model wirelessly to an Arduino® board without a physical USB connection to update your board in hard-to-reach locations.

Using OTA with the Simulink Support Package for Arduino Hardware enables you to deploy Simulink models more quickly, improve programming efficiency, and implement solutions where devices and hardware are distributed across various applications, for example, IoT and ThingSpeak™ applications.

Supported Arduino Boards

Currently, you can use OTA programming on Arduino boards with a Wi-Fi® module.

  • Arduino MKR Wi-Fi 1010

  • Arduino MKR 1000

  • Arduino Nano 33 IoT

  • Arduino Uno R4 Wi-Fi

Supported Workflows

Currently, you can use OTA programming only in the Build, Deploy & Run mode of operation to deploy a Simulink model on the Arduino boards.

Supported Platforms

Currently, OTA supports using only these platforms on the host computer to implement over-the-air programming on Arduino.

  • Windows® 64–bit

  • Linux® 64–bit

OTA General Considerations

When implementing over-the-air updates for your Arduino board with Simulink Support Package for Arduino Hardware consider these factors to ensure a secure and stable system to create a secure and efficient OTA setup and upload process. This minimizes the risks while preserving the functionality and security of your Arduino board.

Arduino Board Compatibility

  • Not all Arduino boards support over-the-air programming. For a list of Arduino boards that support OTA, see Supported Arduino Boards.

  • Ensure a stable power supply during the OTA setup and upload process to prevent interruptions that could lead to incomplete deployment of code.

Password Protection and Security

  • Use a strong password for your Arduino target board to prevent any unauthorized deployment. You can configure the password and name for your Arduino board using Host-board connection in the Configuration Parameters dialog box.

  • Ensure your Wi-Fi network is secure with WPA2 encryption. You can set this property using WiFi properties in the Configuration Parameters dialog box.

  • Use the Diagnostics viewer section in the Simulink model to ensure successful deployment of the code on your Arduino board or to view any errors.

OTA Limitations

Consider these limitations before you begin using OTA with Simulink Support Package for Arduino Hardware.

  • The support package does not support OTA programming on Arduino boards with external Wi-Fi shields.

  • The support package does not support OTA programming in external mode (Monitor & Tune), connected IO, and processor-in-the-loop (PIL) modes.

  • If your Simulink model size is large, OTA upload can fail. In case of failure, use the wired USB upload method to deploy the model.

  • The support package does not support using OTA programming in Simulink Online™ to deploy your model onto the Arduino board.

See Also

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